2012 has been a very good music year overall. Especially, now that we have avoided the Planet’s total destruction! All those who are fantasizing of massive deaths, panic, horror, terror & annihilation were proved ludicrous once again. ‘Nough with that! Were I to describe it in only a few words I would call it a Prog Year. It’s not only the big quantity of prog rock/metal releases but also the top quality that most of them had. I can’t remember myself listening to so many & great prog rock/metal albums in one year! That’s more than good… our beloved music seems to be in great shape and numerous bands are trying really hard to present something worth-listening.The independent releases also had their honorable place in 2012. The fact that almost half of the 25 Best Albums in 2012, according to Grande Rock, were released independently is very encouraging for our beloved rock/metal music generally. It also proves that the major labels continue to promote things without caring for the music quality but for the quantity mostly… and of course, some big magz & ezines have been exposed once again as they do & say (write) what their bosses (major labels) command. Let’s hope most of the fans will perceive what’s going on sooner or later. Several indie bands are willing to do things their way… and the truth is that they do it pretty well. Grande Rock will always be by the side of those indie bands that are worth having a place in the sun as long as most of the web/print press out there is ignoring them widely.
One year has passed since we were back online with fury and vigor. It’s been a great year for us on Grande Rock… hope the same for all of you that have been following us all these years & the newer ones. Some were totally surprised to see us back while others were pissed off. Grande Rock proved to be die hard in the end. We’ll always try to be around and tell things independently, objectively & without restrictions. We’re one of the few ezines that has been around for more than 10 years and has never taken any instructions nor has it been supported by any major label… but we’re still around. Do you know what happened to some others that tried to do something like that? A few disappeared while others have taken the easy way. We are keeping the site alive & active exclusively on our own and we are glad we can afford it. That’s why we’re free & able to do things our way…
PS: We wish Merry Christmas & a Happy & Rockin’ New Year to each and every one of you. May the New Year bring you joy, happiness, love and good rock/metal music in general!
PS2: The Best Album of December is “In Death’s Shadow” by the indie band Knightmare from Australia. These guys have done a hell of a job! The last “Gem” of 2012 is the latest work by The Enid, “Invicta”… a release of explicit beauty & magnificence.
PS3: We tried to make Grande Rock an indie place where you will be able not only to read but also listen to your cherished music but various third party voices were calling us to do otherwise. We haven’t totally quit on the original idea but we’re trying to find other ways to do it, before we quit it once and for all. If you wanna offer us a helping hand, then please get in touch with us and we will be happy to accept any offers & ideas generally.
PS4: The readers’ Poll for the Best Albums of 2012 will be online in a week or so from now, both on our site and on Facebook. Do your best and some of you will be awarded eventually.
PS5: This month’s editorial is dedicated to the one & only Freddie Mercury… needless to say why! His 21st death anniversary was almost a month ago. He’s totally missed & will always be missed… that’s why our favorite music is poorer without him. Thank God, for what he has offered, for they will never fade no matter how much time will pass.